Real time parlay

ABSTRACT

Various methods and apparatus related to parlay wagering are described. In some embodiments, real time parlay odds may be offered. Further embodiments are described.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/347,638, filed on May 24, 2010, which is herebyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 depicts an apparatus for playing a game, according to someembodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example method that may be performed in someembodiments;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example method that may be performed in someembodiments; and

FIG. 4 illustrates an example method that may be performed in someembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following sections I-X provide a guide to interpreting the presentapplication.

I. Terms

The term “product” means any machine, manufacture and/or composition ofmatter, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The term “process” means any process, algorithm, method or the like,unless expressly specified otherwise.

Each process (whether called a method, algorithm or otherwise)inherently includes one or more steps, and therefore all references to a“step” or “steps” of a process have an inherent antecedent basis in themere recitation of the term ‘process’ or a like term. Accordingly, anyreference in a claim to a ‘step’ or ‘steps’ of a process has sufficientantecedent basis.

The term “invention” and the like mean “the one or more inventionsdisclosed in this application”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “theembodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “someembodiments”, “certain embodiments”, “one embodiment”, “anotherembodiment” and the like mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments ofthe disclosed invention(s)”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The term “variation” of an invention means an embodiment of theinvention, unless expressly specified otherwise.

A reference to “another embodiment” in describing an embodiment does notimply that the referenced embodiment is mutually exclusive with anotherembodiment (e.g., an embodiment described before the referencedembodiment), unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms “including”, “comprising” and variations thereof mean“including but not necessarily limited to”, unless expressly specifiedotherwise. Thus, for example, the sentence “the portfolio includes a redwidget and a blue widget” means the portfolio includes the red widgetand the blue widget, but may include something else.

The term “consisting of” and variations thereof means “including andlimited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise. Thus, for example,the sentence “the portfolio consists of a red widget and a blue widget”means the portfolio includes the red widget and the blue widget, butdoes not include anything else.

The term “compose” and variations thereof means “to make up theconstituent parts of, component of or member of”, unless expresslyspecified otherwise. Thus, for example, the sentence “the red widget andthe blue widget compose a portfolio” means the portfolio includes thered widget and the blue widget.

The term “exclusively compose” and variations thereof means “to make upexclusively the constituent parts of, to be the only components of or tobe the only members of”, unless expressly specified otherwise. Thus, forexample, the sentence “the red widget and the blue widget exclusivelycompose a portfolio” means the portfolio consists of the red widget andthe blue widget, and nothing else.

The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expresslyspecified otherwise.

The term “plurality” means “two or more”, unless expressly specifiedotherwise.

The term “herein” means “in the present application, including anythingwhich may be incorporated by reference”, unless expressly specifiedotherwise.

The phrase “at least one of”, when such phrase modifies a plurality ofthings (such as an enumerated list of things) means any combination ofone or more of those things, unless expressly specified otherwise. Forexample, the phrase “at least one of a widget, a car and a wheel” meanseither (i) a widget, (ii) a car, (iii) a wheel, (iv) a widget and a car,(v) a widget and a wheel, (vi) a car and a wheel, or (vii) a widget, acar and a wheel. The phrase “at least one of”, when such phrase modifiesa plurality of things does not mean “one of each of” the plurality ofthings.

Numerical terms such as “one”, “two”, etc. when used as cardinal numbersto indicate quantity of something (e.g., one widget, two widgets), meanthe quantity indicated by that numerical term, but do not mean at leastthe quantity indicated by that numerical term. For example, the phrase“one widget” does not mean “at least one widget”, and therefore thephrase “one widget” does not cover, e.g., two widgets.

The phrase “based on” does not mean “based only on”, unless expresslyspecified otherwise. In other words, the phrase “based on” describesboth “based only on” and “based at least on”. The phrase “based at leaston” is equivalent to the phrase “based at least in part on”.

The term “represent” and like terms are not exclusive, unless expresslyspecified otherwise. For example, the term “represents” does not mean“represents only”, unless expressly specified otherwise. In other words,the phrase “the data represents a credit card number” describes both“the data represents only a credit card number” and “the data representsa credit card number and the data also represents something else”.

The term “whereby” is used herein only to precede a clause or other setof words that express only the intended result, objective or consequenceof something that is previously and explicitly recited. Thus, when theterm “whereby” is used in a claim, the clause or other words that theterm “whereby” modifies do not establish specific further limitations ofthe claim or otherwise restricts the meaning or scope of the claim.

The term “e.g.” and like terms mean “for example”, and thus does notlimit the term or phrase it explains. For example, in the sentence “thecomputer sends data (e.g., instructions, a data structure) over theInternet”, the term “e.g.” explains that “instructions” are an exampleof “data” that the computer may send over the Internet, and alsoexplains that “a data structure” is an example of “data” that thecomputer may send over the Internet. However, both “instructions” and “adata structure” are merely examples of “data”, and other things besides“instructions” and “a data structure” can be “data”.

The term “respective” and like terms mean “taken individually”. Thus iftwo or more things have “respective” characteristics, then each suchthing has its own characteristic, and these characteristics can bedifferent from each other but need not be. For example, the phrase “eachof two machines has a respective function” means that the first suchmachine has a function and the second such machine has a function aswell. The function of the first machine may or may not be the same asthe function of the second machine.

The term “i.e.” and like terms mean “that is”, and thus limits the termor phrase it explains. For example, in the sentence “the computer sendsdata (i.e., instructions) over the Internet”, the term “i.e.” explainsthat “instructions” are the “data” that the computer sends over theInternet.

Any given numerical range shall include whole and fractions of numberswithin the range. For example, the range “1 to 10” shall be interpretedto specifically include whole numbers between 1 and 10 (e.g., 1, 2, 3,4, . . . 9) and non-whole numbers (e.g., 1.1, 1.2, . . . 1.9).

Where two or more terms or phrases are synonymous (e.g., because of anexplicit statement that the terms or phrases are synonymous), instancesof one such term/phrase does not mean instances of another suchterm/phrase must have a different meaning. For example, where astatement renders the meaning of “including” to be synonymous with“including but not limited to”, the mere usage of the phrase “includingbut not limited to” does not mean that the term “including” meanssomething other than “including but not limited to”.

II. Determining

The term “determining” and grammatical variants thereof (e.g., todetermine a price, determining a value, determine an object which meetsa certain criterion) is used in an extremely broad sense. The term“determining” encompasses a wide variety of actions and therefore“determining” can include calculating, computing, processing, deriving,investigating, looking up (e.g., looking up in a table, a database oranother data structure), ascertaining and the like. Also, “determining”can include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g.,accessing data in a memory) and the like. Also, “determining” caninclude resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and the like.

The term “determining” does not imply certainty or absolute precision,and therefore “determining” can include estimating, extrapolating,predicting, guessing and the like.

The term “determining” does not imply that mathematical processing mustbe performed, and does not imply that numerical methods must be used,and does not imply that an algorithm or process is used.

The term “determining” does not imply that any particular device must beused. For example, a computer need not necessarily perform thedetermining.

III. Forms of Sentences

Where a limitation of a first claim would cover one of a feature as wellas more than one of a feature (e.g., a limitation such as “at least onewidget” covers one widget as well as more than one widget), and where ina second claim that depends on the first claim, the second claim uses adefinite article “the” to refer to the limitation (e.g., “the widget”),this does not imply that the first claim covers only one of the feature,and this does not imply that the second claim covers only one of thefeature (e.g., “the widget” can cover both one widget and more than onewidget).

When an ordinal number (such as “first”, “second”, “third” and so on) isused as an adjective before a term, that ordinal number is used (unlessexpressly specified otherwise) merely to indicate a particular feature,such as to distinguish that particular feature from another feature thatis described by the same term or by a similar term. For example, a“first widget” may be so named merely to distinguish it from, e.g., a“second widget”. Thus, the mere usage of the ordinal numbers “first” and“second” before the term “widget” does not indicate any otherrelationship between the two widgets, and likewise does not indicate anyother characteristics of either or both widgets. For example, the mereusage of the ordinal numbers “first” and “second” before the term“widget” (1) does not indicate that either widget comes before or afterany other in order or location; (2) does not indicate that either widgetoccurs or acts before or after any other in time; and (3) does notindicate that either widget ranks above or below any other, as inimportance or quality. In addition, the mere usage of ordinal numbersdoes not define a numerical limit to the features identified with theordinal numbers. For example, the mere usage of the ordinal numbers“first” and “second” before the term “widget” does not indicate thatthere must be no more than two widgets.

When a single device, article or other product is described herein, morethan one device/article (whether or not they cooperate) mayalternatively be used in place of the single device/article that isdescribed. Accordingly, the functionality that is described as beingpossessed by a device may alternatively be possessed by more than onedevice/article (whether or not they cooperate).

Similarly, where more than one device, article or other product isdescribed herein (whether or not they cooperate), a singledevice/article may alternatively be used in place of the more than onedevice or article that is described. For example, a plurality ofcomputer-based devices may be substituted with a single computer-baseddevice. Accordingly, the various functionality that is described asbeing possessed by more than one device or article may alternatively bepossessed by a single device/article.

The functionality and/or the features of a single device that isdescribed may be alternatively embodied by one or more other deviceswhich are described but are not explicitly described as having suchfunctionality/features. Thus, other embodiments need not include thedescribed device itself, but rather can include the one or more otherdevices which would, in those other embodiments, have suchfunctionality/features.

IV. Disclosed Examples and Terminology are Not Limiting

Neither the Title (set forth at the beginning of the first page of thepresent application) nor the Abstract (set forth at the end of thepresent application) is to be taken as limiting in any way as the scopeof the disclosed invention(s), is to be used in interpreting the meaningof any claim or is to be used in limiting the scope of any claim. AnAbstract has been included in this application merely because anAbstract is required under 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b).

The title of the present application and headings of sections providedin the present application are for convenience only, and are not to betaken as limiting the disclosure in any way.

Numerous embodiments are described in the present application, and arepresented for illustrative purposes only. The described embodiments arenot, and are not intended to be, limiting in any sense. The presentlydisclosed invention(s) are widely applicable to numerous embodiments, asis readily apparent from the disclosure. One of ordinary skill in theart will recognize that the disclosed invention(s) may be practiced withvarious modifications and alterations, such as structural, logical,software, and electrical modifications. Although particular features ofthe disclosed invention(s) may be described with reference to one ormore particular embodiments and/or drawings, it should be understoodthat such features are not limited to usage in the one or moreparticular embodiments or drawings with reference to which they aredescribed, unless expressly specified otherwise.

Though an embodiment may be disclosed as including several features,other embodiments of the invention may include fewer than all suchfeatures. Thus, for example, a claim may be directed to less than theentire set of features in a disclosed embodiment, and such claim wouldnot include features beyond those features that the claim expresslyrecites.

No embodiment of method steps or product elements described in thepresent application constitutes the invention claimed herein, or isessential to the invention claimed herein, or is coextensive with theinvention claimed herein, except where it is either expressly stated tobe so in this specification or expressly recited in a claim.

The preambles of the claims that follow recite purposes, benefits andpossible uses of the claimed invention only and do not limit the claimedinvention.

The present disclosure is not a literal description of all embodimentsof the invention(s). Also, the present disclosure is not a listing offeatures of the invention(s) which must be present in all embodiments.

All disclosed embodiment are not necessarily covered by the claims (evenincluding all pending, amended, issued and canceled claims). Inaddition, an embodiment may be (but need not necessarily be) covered byseveral claims. Accordingly, where a claim (regardless of whetherpending, amended, issued or canceled) is directed to a particularembodiment, such is not evidence that the scope of other claims do notalso cover that embodiment.

Devices that are described as in communication with each other need notbe in continuous communication with each other, unless expresslyspecified otherwise. On the contrary, such devices need only transmit toeach other as necessary or desirable, and may actually refrain fromexchanging data most of the time. For example, a machine incommunication with another machine via the Internet may not transmitdata to the other machine for long period of time (e.g. weeks at atime). In addition, devices that are in communication with each othermay communicate directly or indirectly through one or moreintermediaries.

A description of an embodiment with several components or features doesnot imply that all or even any of such components/features are required.On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described toillustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the presentinvention(s). Unless otherwise specified explicitly, nocomponent/feature is essential or required.

Although process steps, algorithms or the like may be described orclaimed in a particular sequential order, such processes may beconfigured to work in different orders. In other words, any sequence ororder of steps that may be explicitly described or claimed does notnecessarily indicate a requirement that the steps be performed in thatorder. The steps of processes described herein may be performed in anyorder possible. Further, some steps may be performed simultaneouslydespite being described or implied as occurring non-simultaneously(e.g., because one step is described after the other step). Moreover,the illustration of a process by its depiction in a drawing does notimply that the illustrated process is exclusive of other variations andmodifications thereto, does not imply that the illustrated process orany of its steps are necessary to the invention(s), and does not implythat the illustrated process is preferred.

Although a process may be described as including a plurality of steps,that does not imply that all or any of the steps are preferred,essential or required. Various other embodiments within the scope of thedescribed invention(s) include other processes that omit some or all ofthe described steps. Unless otherwise specified explicitly, no step isessential or required.

Although a process may be described singly or without reference to otherproducts or methods, in an embodiment the process may interact withother products or methods. For example, such interaction may includelinking one business model to another business model. Such interactionmay be provided to enhance the flexibility or desirability of theprocess.

Although a product may be described as including a plurality ofcomponents, aspects, qualities, characteristics and/or features, thatdoes not indicate that any or all of the plurality are preferred,essential or required. Various other embodiments within the scope of thedescribed invention(s) include other products that omit some or all ofthe described plurality.

An enumerated list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does notimply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unlessexpressly specified otherwise. Likewise, an enumerated list of items(which may or may not be numbered) does not imply that any or all of theitems are comprehensive of any category, unless expressly specifiedotherwise. For example, the enumerated list “a computer, a laptop, aPDA” does not imply that any or all of the three items of that list aremutually exclusive and does not imply that any or all of the three itemsof that list are comprehensive of any category.

An enumerated list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does notimply that any or all of the items are equivalent to each other orreadily substituted for each other.

All embodiments are illustrative, and do not imply that the invention orany embodiments were made or performed, as the case may be.

V. Computing

It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that thevarious processes described herein may be implemented by, e.g.,appropriately programmed general purpose computers, special purposecomputers and computing devices. Typically a processor (e.g., one ormore microprocessors, one or more microcontrollers, one or more digitalsignal processors) will receive instructions (e.g., from a memory orlike device), and execute those instructions, thereby performing one ormore processes defined by those instructions. Instructions may beembodied in, e.g., one or more computer programs, one or more scripts.

A “processor” means one or more microprocessors, central processingunits (CPUs), computing devices, microcontrollers, digital signalprocessors, or like devices or any combination thereof, regardless ofthe architecture (e.g., chip-level multiprocessing/multi-core, RISC,CISC, Microprocessor without Interlocked Pipeline Stages, pipeliningconfiguration, simultaneous multithreading).

Thus a description of a process is likewise a description of anapparatus for performing the process. The apparatus that performs theprocess can include, e.g., a processor and those input devices andoutput devices that are appropriate to perform the process.

Further, programs that implement such methods (as well as other types ofdata) may be stored and transmitted using a variety of media (e.g.,computer readable media) in a number of manners. In some embodiments,hard-wired circuitry or custom hardware may be used in place of, or incombination with, some or all of the software instructions that canimplement the processes of various embodiments. Thus, variouscombinations of hardware and software may be used instead of softwareonly.

The term “computer-readable medium” refers to any medium, a plurality ofthe same, or a combination of different media, that participate inproviding data (e.g., instructions, data structures) which may be readby a computer, a processor or a like device. Such a medium may take manyforms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media,and transmission media. Non-volatile media include, for example, opticalor magnetic disks and other persistent memory. Volatile media includedynamic random access memory (DRAM), which typically constitutes themain memory. Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wire andfiber optics, including the wires that comprise a system bus coupled tothe processor. Transmission media may include or convey acoustic waves,light waves and electromagnetic emissions, such as those generatedduring radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications.Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppydisk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magneticmedium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, papertape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM,an EPROM, a FLASH-EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrierwave as described hereinafter, or any other medium from which a computercan read.

Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carryingdata (e.g. sequences of instructions) to a processor. For example, datamay be (i) delivered from RAM to a processor; (ii) carried over awireless transmission medium; (iii) formatted and/or transmittedaccording to numerous formats, standards or protocols, such as Ethernet(or IEEE 802.3), SAP, ATP, Bluetooth□, and TCP/IP, TDMA, CDMA, and 3G;and/or (iv) encrypted to ensure privacy or prevent fraud in any of avariety of ways well known in the art.

Thus a description of a process is likewise a description of acomputer-readable medium storing a program for performing the process.The computer-readable medium can store (in any appropriate format) thoseprogram elements which are appropriate to perform the method.

Just as the description of various steps in a process does not indicatethat all the described steps are required, embodiments of an apparatusinclude a computer/computing device operable to perform some (but notnecessarily all) of the described process.

Likewise, just as the description of various steps in a process does notindicate that all the described steps are required, embodiments of acomputer-readable medium storing a program or data structure include acomputer-readable medium storing a program that, when executed, cancause a processor to perform some (but not necessarily all) of thedescribed process.

Where databases are described, it will be understood by one of ordinaryskill in the art that (i) alternative database structures to thosedescribed may be readily employed, and (ii) other memory structuresbesides databases may be readily employed. Any illustrations ordescriptions of any sample databases presented herein are illustrativearrangements for stored representations of information. Any number ofother arrangements may be employed besides those suggested by, e.g.,tables illustrated in drawings or elsewhere. Similarly, any illustratedentries of the databases represent exemplary information only; one ofordinary skill in the art will understand that the number and content ofthe entries can be different from those described herein. Further,despite any depiction of the databases as tables, other formats(including relational databases, object-based models and/or distributeddatabases) could be used to store and manipulate the data typesdescribed herein Likewise, object methods or behaviors of a database canbe used to implement various processes, such as the described herein. Inaddition, the databases may, in a known manner, be stored locally orremotely from a device which accesses data in such a database.

Various embodiments can be configured to work in a network environmentincluding a computer that is in communication (e.g., via acommunications network) with one or more devices. The computer maycommunicate with the devices directly or indirectly, via any wired orwireless medium (e.g. the Internet, LAN, WAN or Ethernet, Token Ring, atelephone line, a cable line, a radio channel, an optical communicationsline, commercial on-line service providers, bulletin board systems, asatellite communications link, a combination of any of the above). Eachof the devices may themselves comprise computers or other computingdevices, such as those based on the Intel® Pentium® or Centrino™processor, that are adapted to communicate with the computer. Any numberand type of devices may be in communication with the computer.

In an embodiment, a server computer or centralized authority may not benecessary or desirable. For example, the present invention may, in anembodiment, be practiced on one or more devices without a centralauthority. In such an embodiment, any functions described herein asperformed by the server computer or data described as stored on theserver computer may instead be performed by or stored on one or moresuch devices.

Where a process is described, in an embodiment the process may operatewithout any user intervention. In another embodiment, the processincludes some human intervention (e.g., a step is performed by or withthe assistance of a human).

VI. Continuing Applications

The present disclosure provides, to one of ordinary skill in the art, anenabling description of several embodiments and/or inventions. Some ofthese embodiments and/or inventions may not be claimed in the presentapplication, but may nevertheless be claimed in one or more continuingapplications that claim the benefit of priority of the presentapplication.

Applicants intend to file additional applications to pursue patents forsubject matter that has been disclosed and enabled but not claimed inthe present application.

VII. 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6

In a claim, a limitation of the claim which includes the phrase “meansfor” or the phrase “step for” means that 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6,applies to that limitation.

In a claim, a limitation of the claim which does not include the phrase“means for” or the phrase “step for” means that 35 U.S.C. §112,paragraph 6 does not apply to that limitation, regardless of whetherthat limitation recites a function without recitation of structure,material or acts for performing that function. For example, in a claim,the mere use of the phrase “step of” or the phrase “steps of” inreferring to one or more steps of the claim or of another claim does notmean that 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6, applies to that step(s).

With respect to a means or a step for performing a specified function inaccordance with 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6, the correspondingstructure, material or acts described in the specification, andequivalents thereof, may perform additional functions as well as thespecified function.

Computers, processors, computing devices and like products arestructures that can perform a wide variety of functions. Such productscan be operable to perform a specified function by executing one or moreprograms, such as a program stored in a memory device of that product orin a memory device which that product accesses. Unless expresslyspecified otherwise, such a program need not be based on any particularalgorithm, such as any particular algorithm that might be disclosed inthe present application. It is well known to one of ordinary skill inthe art that a specified function may be implemented via differentalgorithms, and any of a number of different algorithms would be a meredesign choice for carrying out the specified function.

Therefore, with respect to a means or a step for performing a specifiedfunction in accordance with 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6, structurecorresponding to a specified function includes any product programmed toperform the specified function. Such structure includes programmedproducts which perform the function, regardless of whether such productis programmed with (i) a disclosed algorithm for performing thefunction, (ii) an algorithm that is similar to a disclosed algorithm, or(iii) a different algorithm for performing the function.

Where there is recited a means for performing a function that is amethod, one structure for performing this method includes a computingdevice (e.g., a general purpose computer) that is programmed and/orconfigured with appropriate hardware to perform that function.

Also included is a computing device (e.g., a general purpose computer)that is programmed and/or configured with appropriate hardware toperform that function via other algorithms as would be understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art.

VIII. Disclaimer

Numerous references to a particular embodiment do not indicate adisclaimer or disavowal of additional, different embodiments, andsimilarly references to the description of embodiments which all includea particular feature do not indicate a disclaimer or disavowal ofembodiments which do not include that particular feature. A cleardisclaimer or disavowal in the present application shall be prefaced bythe phrase “does not include” or by the phrase “cannot perform”.

IX. Incorporation By Reference

Any patent, patent application or other document referred to herein isincorporated by reference into this patent application as part of thepresent disclosure, but only for purposes of written description andenablement in accordance with 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 1, and should inno way be used to limit, define, or otherwise construe any term of thepresent application, unless without such incorporation by reference, noordinary meaning would have been ascertainable by a person of ordinaryskill in the art. Such person of ordinary skill in the art need not havebeen in any way limited by any embodiments provided in the reference

Any incorporation by reference does not, in and of itself, imply anyendorsement of, ratification of or acquiescence in any statements,opinions, arguments or characterizations contained in any incorporatedpatent, patent application or other document, unless explicitlyspecified otherwise in this patent application.

X. Prosecution History

In interpreting the present application (which includes the claims), oneof ordinary skill in the art shall refer to the prosecution history ofthe present application, but not to the prosecution history of any otherpatent or patent application, regardless of whether there are otherpatent applications that are considered related to the presentapplication, and regardless of whether there are other patentapplications that share a claim of priority with the presentapplication.

XI. Video Wagering Games

Video wagering games are set up to mimic a table game using adaptationsof table games rules and cards.

In one version of video poker the player is allowed to inspect fivecards randomly chosen by the computer. These cards are displayed on thevideo screen and the player chooses which cards, if any, that he or shewishes to hold. If the player wishes to hold all of the cards, i.e.,stand, he or she presses a STAND button. If the player wishes to holdonly some of the cards, he or she chooses the cards to be held bypressing HOLD keys located directly under each card displayed on thevideo screen. Pushing a DEAL button after choosing the HOLD cardsautomatically and simultaneously replaces the unchosen cards withadditional cards which are randomly selected from the remainder of thedeck. After the STAND button is pushed, or the cards are replaced, thefinal holding is evaluated by the game machine's computer and the playeris awarded either play credits or a coin payout as determined from apayoff table. This payoff table is stored in the machine's computermemory and is also displayed on the machine's screen. Hands with higherpoker values are awarded more credits or coins. Very rare poker handsare awarded payoffs of 800-to-1 or higher.

XII. Apparatus for Playing Over a Communications System

FIG. 1 shows apparatus for playing the game. There is a plurality ofplayer units 40-1 to 40-n which are coupled via a communication system41, such as the Internet, with a game playing system comprising anadministration unit 42, a player register 43, and a game unit 45. Eachunit 40 is typically a personal computer with a display unit and controlmeans (a keyboard and a mouse).

When a player logs on to the game playing system, their unit 40identifies itself to the administration unit. The system holds thedetails of the players in the register 43, which contains separateplayer register units 44-1 to 44-n for all the potential players, i.e.,for all the members of the system.

Once the player has been identified, the player is assigned to a gameunit 45. The game unit contains a set of player data units 46-1 to 46-6,a dealer unit 47, a control unit 48, and a random dealing unit 49.

Up to seven players can be assigned to the game unit 45. There can beseveral such units, as indicated, so that several games can be played atthe same time if there are more than seven members of the system loggedon at the same time. The assignment of a player unit 40 to a player dataunit 46 may be arbitrary or random, depending on which player data units46 and game units 45 are free. Each player data unit 46 is loaded fromthe corresponding player register unit 44 and also contains essentiallythe same details as the corresponding player unit 40, and is incommunication with the player unit 40 to keep the contents of the playerunit and player data unit updated with each other. In addition, theappropriate parts of the contents of the other player data units 46 andthe dealer unit 47 are passed to the player unit 40 for display.

The logic unit 48 of the game unit 45 steps the game unit through thevarious stages of the play, initiating the dealer actions and awaitingthe appropriate responses from the player units 40. The random dealingunit 49 deals cards essentially randomly to the dealer unit 47 and theplayer data units 46. At the end of the hand, the logic unit passes theresults of the hand, i.e., the wins and/or losses, to the player dataunits 46 to inform the players of their results. The administrative unit42 also takes those results and updates the player register units 44accordingly.

The player units 40 are arranged to show a display. To identify theplayer, the player's position is highlighted. As play proceeds, so theplayer selects the various boxes, enters bets in them, and so on, andthe results of those actions are displayed. As the cards are dealt, aseries of overlapping card symbols is shown in the Bonus box. At theoption of the player, the cards can be shown in a line below the box,and similarly for the card dealt to the dealer. At the end of the hand,a message is displayed informing the player of the results of theirbets, i.e., the amounts won or lost.

XIII. Alternative Technologies

It will be understood that the technologies described herein for making,using, or practicing various embodiments are but a subset of thepossible technologies that may be used for the same or similar purposes.The particular technologies described herein are not to be construed aslimiting. Rather, various embodiments contemplate alternate technologiesfor making, using, or practicing various embodiments.

XIV. References

The following patents and patent applications are hereby incorporated byreference herein for all purposes: U.S. Pat. No. 6,579,181, U.S. Pat.No. 6,299,536, U.S. Pat. No. 6,093,103, U.S. Pat. No. 5,941,769, U.S.Pat. No. 7,114,718, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/622,321, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/687,980, U.S. Pat. No. 4,515,367, U.S.Pat. No. 5,000,453, U.S. Pat. No. 7,137,630, and U.S. Pat. No.7,137,629.

XV. Sports

In some embodiments, some gambling systems enable users to bet on theoutcome of a game and/or event within a game, e.g., which team will win,and/or by how much. Gaming operators try to determine accurateprobabilities for each game outcome (e.g., win, loss, and point spread)so that they can offer competitive odds to potential bettors who may beton each outcome. The probabilities (and odds) are typically determinedprior to the start of the game based on information existing prior tothe game, such as historical data related to each team, player, andcoaching staff, ratings and opinions of professionals such assportswriters and other coaches, and other public and proprietaryinformation related to the game. For instance, some gaming operators usecomplicated proprietary computer algorithms to determine odds based onpre-existing statistical information and other information. The odds maychange during a betting period as bettors wager on one side or anotherof an outcome (e.g., if many people wager that team A will win and fewpeople wager that team B will win, the odds may become less favorablefor a wager that team A will win).

In effect, odds are a gaming operator's “price” to bettors for wageringon a specific outcome (wherein higher odds translate to a lower pricefor the bettor). When there are a plurality of gaming operators offeringodds on a particular outcome to a plurality of bettors, the gamingoperators compete with one another to offer a competitive price thatwill attract bettors who seek the highest payout for their bettingdollar. Thus, gaming operators may determine odds based in part on theodds offered by competing gaming operators. Betting behavior can alsoaffect odds. For instance, a high demand for bets that the Chicago Cubswill win their next game against the Phillies may drive up the effectiveprice for that bet. Accordingly, as in other competitive marketplaces,odds determinations often reflect a “market price” for each gameoutcome, as gaming operators adjust their odds based on the market. Theeffective market price can change over time as the betting marketchanges and new relevant information is disclosed, such as an injury ofa key Cubs pitcher a day before the game. Notably, amounts wagered bylosers on one side of the bet can be used to fund the payout to winnerson the other side of the bet. Thus, in large betting markets where thereare many bettors on each side of a bet, gaming operators may adjusttheir odds in an effort to balance the potential payouts on either sideof the bet.

However, odds determinations often do not reflect a consensus “marketprice,” e.g., when there are a limited number of market participants orthere is insufficient time for the market to assimilate new relevantinformation into a stable market price. For example, some gamingoperators allow users to bet on performance parameters within a game,such as whether a particular player will strike out in a particularat-bat in a baseball game. The betting market is typically openedmanually immediately prior to the in-game event, and the odds are oftendetermined manually “on the fly.” Even if another gaming operatoroffered a similar bet, the quick timing of such a bet may prevent gamingoperators and bettors from comparing the different odds offered. Inthese circumstances, the gaming operator may attempt to offer oddswithout the benefit of a competitive betting market based entirely onthe operator's best assessment of the probabilities of the variousoutcomes.

It may take time and labor to identify a potential in-game bettingmarket (e.g., a market for betting on the outcome of a specific at-bat),determine accurate probabilities and odds for each outcome, offer theodds to bettors, take bets, determine an outcome, and then pay thewinners. Because some systems require many of these actions to beperformed manually “on the fly,” limited manpower may effectively limitsthe number and extent of in-game wager opportunities a gaming operatorcan offer. Bets on an in-game event often require a calculation ofprobabilities and odds in a very short time frame. It can be moredifficult to calculate an accurate probability of an in-game outcomewhen new relevant information becomes available during the game, such asan injury to a quarterback. Inaccurate odds can lead to unnecessarilyhigh prices (and therefore fewer bettors) or unnecessarily low prices(which translates to unnecessarily high payouts to winners).

According to various embodiments, a system may enable users to bet onin-game events, such as whether a particular baseball player strikes outin a particular at-bat, and/or more traditional game outcomes, such aswhich team will win and/or by how much. The system may automaticallyreceive general game information (e.g., team names, player rosters,start time, etc.) from a data feed or other source. From the same datasource (or another source), the system may also automatically receive astream of real-time game information, such as elapsed time, battingline-up, runs scored, errors on a play, pitch information (strike, ball,foul), etc.

Odds for each event, such as a strike-out, may be calculated based on anodds database and algorithm stored on the system. The algorithm may useinformation from the real sport (such as a player's batting average),and may be updated based on in-game events. (E.g., if Barry Bondsstrikes out four times with the same pitcher, his odds of getting a hitoff that pitcher may decrease.)

As soon as a specific gambling event is completed (e.g., as soon asBarry Bonds finishes his at-bat by striking out or hitting a home run),the system settles the bets placed on that betting event. At the sametime (or another time), the system may open the betting for anotherevent (e.g., the next at-bat). In one embodiment, a human operatorclears the bets after each event. For example, the human gaming agentmay select “strike out” immediately after Barry Bonds strikes out. Thisoperation may cause the system to immediately settle all the bets on thepresent Barry Bonds at-bat and also open bets for the next betting event(e.g., the outcome of the next batter's at-bat). In other embodiments,the system may use automated information (e.g., a data feed) todetermine event outcomes (like a strike-out) in real time. In someembodiments, human gaming agents may assist with error correction toensure that the system identifies correct outcomes and resolves all betsproperly.

Users may place bets and otherwise interact with the system and otherusers via an interface such as a gaming table or mobile touch-screengaming device, which may be configured to display a live TV feed of anevent such as a baseball game with an optional touch-sensitive bettinginterface overlay. In one embodiment, when Barry Bonds steps up to theplate, a user may touch the image of Barry Bonds (or other image oricon) to trigger the betting interface overlay that enables the user toselect and place a specific bet concerning Barry's at-bat. To bet thatBarry will get a single, the user may touch an image of first base (orprovide another appropriate input). In some embodiments, a sports book,interactive kiosk, computer device, and/or any other desired method ofwager formation may be used.

Various embodiments of the system may enable gambling on many differenttypes of outcomes within a single game or other event, such as whether aparticular runner steals a particular base, the number of runs scored inan inning, whether a pitcher throws a ball or strike on a given pitch,etc. The system may open and close each betting event based on the startand finish time of that particular event. The system can also be appliedto a variety of sports as well as other events, such as elections (e.g.,whether Barack Obama will win New Hampshire in the upcoming 2008presidential election). It should be appreciated that variousembodiments of the invention may manage many different betting marketsat simultaneous or overlapping times. Each betting market may be opened,closed, and resolved based on the terms of that specific betting market,independently of other betting markets.

It should be recognized that various embodiments may include any type ofwager, such as, for example, in-game wagers on sports or other events,wagers on outcomes of games or other events, and so on. It should berecognized that various embodiments may include any systems and/ormethods for determining initial and/or future odds for any wager, suchas, for example, an exchanged based system, a wager line set by a sportsbook algorithm and/or employee, and so on. It should be recognized thatvarious embodiments may include any system and/or method for placingand/or managing wagers, such as, for example, a centralized computersystem, a distributed computer system, one or more servers, one or moreclient computers, an in person system., a ticket system, a mobilesystem, and so on. Some examples of wager types, systems and methods fordetermining odds, and systems and methods for placing and managingwagers are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/258,297 toStorm and entitled Wager Market Creation and Management, which is herebyincorporated herein by reference.

Some embodiments may include wagers at a sports book or other venue forplacing wagers on one or more competitions. Some example competitions onwhich a wager may be placed at a sports book may include auto racing,baseball, basketball, boxing, football, golf, hockey, and horse racing.Each competition type may have a different set of odds associatedtherewith.

In auto racing for example a sports book may list some number ofindividual drivers and/or a field (all other) option. Each individualdriver and/or the field may be associated with some odds for each typeof bet. For example, Jeff Gordon may be listed at 4-1, Jeff Burton at15-1, Casey Atwood at 100-1, etc. If you bet $10 on Burton 15-1 and hegoes on to win the race, you win $150 plus your $10 back, for a totalpayoff of $160. Matchup wagers may be available in which two or moredrivers are paired against each other in a head-to-head wager. Odds forsuch a wager may also be provided. For example, a matchup may pit DaleJarrett (minus 145) against Bobby Labonte (plus 125). If you bet $145 onthe favored Jarrett, the payoff would be $100 plus your $145 back, for atotal of $245. If you bet $100 on the underdog Labonte, the payoff wouldbe $125 plus your $100 back, for a total of $225. Various other wagersmay also be available such as, for example, an over/under on a number ofcautions in a race, a car manufacturer that will win the race, in-gamewagers, and so on.

In baseball for example, a sports book may list each team matchup withan odds associated with each team of each matchup. If a team on which awager is placed wins a matchup, the payout to the winner may varyaccording to the odds. In some embodiments, baseball odds are shownusing a money line.

In a money line, odds may be based on some dollar value (e.g., $1). In amoney line, A “minus” preceding a number indicates the team is afavorite. A “plus” preceding a number indicates the team is an underdog.For example, if the Braves' odds are −120, this may mean that a $12 betwould win $10, for a return of $22. As another example, if the Dodgers'odds are +110, this may mean that a $10 bet would win $11, for a returnof $21. Various types of money lines exist, such as dime lines and20-cent lines and may be used in various embodiments. Some embodimentsmay not list a price for an underdog in a matchup but may instead use ahouse line for underdogs. Some embodiments may includes various otherwagers, such as, for example, an over under on a total runs scored, arun line, a parlay in which a bettor may select multiple teams to win,in-game wagers, and so on.

Money lines may change as wagering proceeds. In some embodiments, anodds determined by the money line at the time of a wager may be the oddsused to payout a wager at the end of a wager. In some embodiments, themoney line at the end of a wagering period may be used to determine theodds of wager even if the money line was different when the wager wasplaced.

In basketball, for example, a sports book may operate similar tobaseball. In some embodiments, a point spread may be used so that a beton a team to win will win only if the team wins by the point spread. Insome embodiments, the odds may be the same for all wagers, but the pointspread may be changed. For example, a point spread may increase as morebettors wager on a team to win, similar to a change in the oddsdiscussed above with respect to baseball. Some embodiments may allow“teasing” of a point spread (i.e., changing the point spread) inexchange for a change to the odds. Various other wagers may be includesin some embodiments, such as parlays, over under on point totals, ingame wagers, and so on.

In boxing, for example, a sports book may operate a money line similarto a baseball money line described above. In hockey and football, forexample, a sports book may operate a money line similar to a basketballmoney line described above.

In golf, for example, a sports book may operate a wagering method and/orsystem similar to auto racing described above. For example, a sportsbook may list a number of individual golfers and a field. Each optionmay be associated with an odds for each type of bet (e.g., to win atournament). For example, Tiger Woods may be listed at 2-1, Tom Lehmanat 25-1, Bob May at 100-1, etc. If you bet $10 on Lehman at 25-1 and hegoes on to win the tournament, you win $250 plus your $10 back, for atotal payoff of $260. A sports book may also include matchuppropositions between two or more golfers. In some embodiments, onegolfer may be matched against two or more golfers in such a proposition.Various other wagers may be included in some embodiments, such as overunder on the winning score, over under on the lowest round by anygolfer, over under on a finishing position of a golfer, in-game wagers,and so on.

In horse racing, for example, a sports book may provide a wide array ofbetting options. For example, a win, place, show, across the board,exacta, quinella, trifecta, superfecta, daily double, pick six, and soon wagering options may be available as well as any in-game wagers. Eachwager option may be associated with a money line such as those describedabove or other type of odds system.

As discussed above, some embodiments may include various events orpropositions that may be wagered upon, such as outcomes of an election,winnings of an award, and so on. Some embodiments may include wagers onan outcome of a season of a game, a season of a television show (e.g.,Survivor), and so on. Some embodiments may include wagers on othercasino games (e.g., craps, blackjack, slots, poker). Such bets mayinclude bets on individual games, bets on other people, bets onstatistics of the games, bets on tournaments of such games, and so on.It should be recognized that the examples of various wager types andodds types are given as non-limiting examples only and that variousembodiments may include any desired wager types and/or odds types.

XVII. Example Embodiments

Some embodiments may include a parlay wager. A parlay wager may includea wager on a plurality of games, a plurality of game participants,and/or a plurality of events. Such games, events, and/or teams may bereferred to as elements of a parlay wager.

In some embodiments, a parlay wager may be won if all elements arewinning elements (e.g., if all teams are winning teams in respectivegames). In some embodiments, a parlay wager may be a losing wager if anyone element is a losing element. In some embodiments, any number ofwinning elements may be required to be winning elements for a parlaywager to be a winning wager. In some embodiments, any number of elementsmay need to be losing wagers for a parlay wager to be a losing wager.For example, a parlay wager may be a losing wager if there are morelosing elements than winning elements. In some embodiments, adetermination of whether a parlay wager is a winning wager or a losingwager may be made based on a comparison of the parlay wager to otherparlay wagers. For example, a parlay wager with a highest percentage ofwinning elements may be a winning parlay wager, a parlay wager with alowest number of losing elements may be a winning parlay wager, a parlaywager with a highest value of won elements in view of each elements oddsmay be a winning wager (e.g., sum of (1/chance of winning an element)times (1 for win or 0 for loss of that element)), and so on. In someembodiments, such a comparison may take place among a set of players(e.g., members that enter into a parlay tournament, based on a parlaypari-mutuel competition, for a particular week of games, and so on). Awinner may earn an award (e.g., a pari-mutuel pool, a monetary award, anamount based on odds and wager amount, and so on).

In some embodiments, a tied element may count as a loss. In someembodiments, a tied element may count as a win. In some embodiments, atied element may result in a push. In some embodiments, if an element ofa parlay wager ties, the parlay wager may be separated into separatewagers and the tied element may push. In some embodiments, if an elementof a parlay wager ties, that element may be removed from the parlaywager and the remaining elements may act as a parlay wager without thatelement. In some embodiments, such rules as desired may apply similarlyand/or differently to canceled, and/or delayed elements.

In some embodiments, a player may win an award (e.g., a monetary payout)for winning a parlay wager. A player may win less of an award if someelements of a parlay wager are losing elements. A player may win more ofan award for more winning elements of a parlay wager. In someembodiments, a player may only win the award if all elements of theparlay wager are winning elements. In some embodiments, there may besome maximum number and/or percentage of losing elements allowed for aplayer to win an award for a parlay wager. The amount of a payout may bebased on an amount wagered. The amount of the payout may be based on thenumber of winning elements. The amount of the payout may be based on thenumber of losing elements. The amount of the payout may be based on thenumber of tied elements. The amount of the payout may be based on thenumber of elements. The amount of the payout may be based on the odds ofeach element. The amount of the payout may be determined in any mannerdesired. In some embodiments, an amount won may include an amount basedon pari-mutuel pool. For example, players that place parlay wagersduring a particular week, for a particular game, in a particulartournament, and/or in any common manner may have those wagers enteredinto a common pari-mutuel pool. One or more winners of such parlaywagers may be awarded winnings from the common pari-mutuel pool.

Some example payouts that may be used in some embodiments may include a2 element parlay may pay 13 to 5, a 3 element parlay may pay 6 to 1, a 4element parlay may pay 10 to 1, a 5 element parlay may pay 20 to 1, a 6element parlay may pay 40 to 1, a 7 element parlay may pay 75 to 1, a 8element parlay may pay 100 to 1, a 9 element parlay may pay 150 to 1, a10 element parlay may pay 300 to 1, a 11 element parlay may pay 450 to1, a 12 element parlay may pay 600 to 1, a 13 element parlay may pay 750to 1, a 14 element parlay may pay 900 to 1, and a 15 element parlay maypay 1500 to 1. Such numbers are given as non-limiting examples only.

Some embodiments may include requirements for making a parlay wager. Forexample, in some embodiments, a maximum amount may be wager, a maximumamount may be won, a minimum amount may be wagered, a maximum number ofelements may be included, a minimum number of elements may be included,and so on. In some embodiments, in order to qualify for a pari-mutuelpool and/or a jackpot wager of any sort, a player may be required tomeet one or more criteria of wagers. For example, a player may berequired to make wagers that have no more than and/or no less than aparticular estimated chance of winning, may be required to make aparticular monetary wager, may be required to make a certain number ofwager types (e.g., 4 game wagers and 4 in running wagers, 10 wagers onbaseball, etc.), may be required to wager on a particular set ofelements (e.g., wager on every football game being played in a week,wager on every in running wager offered in a game, wager on a number ofin running wagers offered during a period of time, etc.), may berequired to wager on a particular sport, and so on.

Some embodiments may include a parlay card and/or other parlay wageringinterface. A parlay card may allow a player to place a parlay wager on anumber of desired elements. A parlay card may include a listing of oddsfor a parlay wager. A parlay wagering interface may include a kiosk, aslot machine, a web interface, a smart phone app, and so on throughwhich a player may enter information related to a parlay wager.

As discussed herein, odds and/or payouts for a parlay wager may be basedon odds for one or more of the elements of the parlay wager. Forexample, if the odds of all elements of a parlay wager are long, thenthe odds of the parlay wager may be long and/or the payout may be high.As one specific example, a parlay wager made up of a money line of wagerof −125 and a money line wager of +130 for a two elements of a parlaywager may result in a parlay wager that has a 314 dollar payout for a100 dollar bet. It should be recognized that these examples arenon-limiting and that various embodiments may include any manner ofbasing and/or not basing odds and/or payouts for a parlay wager on oddsof elements of the parlay wager as desired. For example, a house edge, aexpected house take, a balance of house risk and so on may be maintainedby such odds and/or payout setting as desired.

In some embodiments, the odds and/or payouts of a parlay wager mayinclude real-time and/or substantially real-time odds and/or payouts.For example, the odds and/or payouts may be updated based on currentodds for each element of the wager. For example, as odds for a wager onan element change (e.g., based on events happening related to the wagersuch as injuries, other wagers, and so on), the odds for a parlay wagerinvolving that element may change. As an example, if the odds for a teamin a game become longer because, for example, an injury occurs to aplayer of the team, then the odds for a parlay wager that includes thatteam may become longer to reflect that change in the odds of the teamwinning the game. As another example, if a large amount of money isbeing wagered on one side of an event, the odds for the event may changeto balance the wagering. Such a change to the odds may be reflected inany parlay wagers involving that event. Accordingly, in someembodiments, parlay wagers that reflect substantially current situationsmay be made as opposed to traditional parlay wagers that are made usinga single set of odds that are published once weekly.

In some embodiments, once a parlay wager is made, odds for the parlaywager may be set at the time of the wager. In some embodiments, odds fora made parlay wager may be adjusted as events that affect the odds mayoccur. In some embodiments, the odds may be set at some point (e.g., thestart of a game, the end of a wagering period, and so on).

In some embodiments, parlay wagers may include in game wagers, out ofgame wagers, and so on. Some such wagers may be placed during a gameand/or larger event. Odds and/or payouts related to such parlay wagersmay be updated as events within a game and/or larger event unfold.

Some embodiments may include providing an updated odds and/or payouts toa user. Such presenting may take place through a parlay wageringinterface (e.g., through a kiosk, a slot machine, a computing device, asmart phone app, at a sports book, and/or any other apparatus). Forexample, in some embodiments, a computing device may allow a player toplay slots games, and to place parlay wagers. Such a computing devicemay include a server based gaming machine. Such a computing device mayinclude a slot machine. Such parlay wagers may be based on updated oddsfor such a wager rather than traditional once a week published parlayodds. Though such an interface, a player may place a parlay wager basedon such updated odds and/or payouts, monitor events related to placedparlay wagers, and so on.

Some embodiments may include updating odds and/or payouts for a parlaywager in response to a player selecting elements to be added to theparlay wager (e.g., based on the odds of the added element). Someembodiments may include updating odds and/or payouts of a parlay wagerin response to a change in odds related to an element of the wager. Insome embodiments, odds and/or payouts may be updated upon, after, and/orbefore selection of elements for a parlay wager as desired. In someembodiments, odds and/or payouts may be updated upon, after, and/orbefore a wager is placed as desired. In some embodiments, odds and/orpayouts may be updated periodically, continually, in response to anevent, and so on as desired.

In some embodiments, odds of an element may be determined in any manneras desired. For example, odds of an element may be received from anothersource, odds of an element may be determined based on a modeling, oddsof an element may be determined based on events, and so on. In someembodiments, odds of a parlay wager based on elements may be determinedin any manner. For example, odds may be determined based on a modeling,based on a Bayesian calculation, based on a desired house edge, and soon.

In some embodiments, a central server may determine various odds and/orpayouts and provide such information to a terminal and/or othercomputing device for display to a user. A wager may be placed throughthe computing device. Any separation of actions between a client and/orserver may be used in various embodiments as desired and/or not at all.

As described herein, some embodiments may include one or more in runningwagers, which may also be referred to as in game wagers. In someembodiments, such wagers may include wagers that may relate to an eventin a game (e.g., who will score a next point, how far a team will move aball in a possession, what type of point will be scored next, who willscore more points in the next five minutes, who will catch the nextpass, and so on). Such wagers may include wagers that are offered duringplay of the game rather than before a game as in typical wagers. Somesuch wagers may also be offered before the game. In some embodiments, aparlay wager may include one or more such in running elements. In someembodiments, a parlay wager may include any combination of game elements(e.g., elements that relate to a whole game) and in running elements asdesired. Some embodiments may include in-running wagers, setting oddsfor such wagers (e.g., based on prior events, based on a number ofpossible outcomes, based on a modeling of events), determining whichwagers to offer (e.g., based on prior demand, based on perceived demand,based on events in the game, based on possible events in the game),determining outcomes of such wagers (e.g., based on the wagers, based onevents in the game), and so on. Some examples of such wagers that may beused in various embodiments are described in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/023,551, entitled “WAGERING ON EVENT OUTCOMES DURING THEEVENT,” filed Feb. 9, 2011, which is hereby incorporated herein byreference.

In some embodiments, a parlay wager may be part of a pari-mutuel event.In some embodiments, a plurality of parlay wagers may be placed relatedto a pari-mutuel event (e.g., as part of a common pari-mutuel pool). Oneor more winners may win part or all of the common pari-mutuel pool. Insome embodiments, such a pari-mutuel event may include an in-runningrelated pari-mutuel event, a game related pari-mutuel event, and/or apari-mutuel event that includes in-running and/or game wagers in anycombination.

For example, in some embodiments, a pari-mutuel parlay event may includean event that requires entrants to make a parlay wager with a number ofin running elements, a number of full game elements, and/or anycombination of in running and full game elements. A pari-mutuel eventmay include wagers for a particular time frame, event, set of events,and so on (e.g., during a particular game, during a particular weekend,during a particular season, and so on). For example, in some embodimentsplayers may enter into a pari-mutuel event by making a parlay wager thatqualifies. In some embodiments, such a parlay wager may be required tomeet one or more criteria (e.g., include required elements, be for aparticular event, be made by a particular time, include an amount ofmoney, and so on). For example, in some embodiments, a parlay wager mayrequire ten in running element to be placed during a particular game, aparticular set of games, and so on. The ten elements may be particularelements, any ten elements (e.g., any ten of a larger set of elementsoffered during a game), and/or any combination of required and/oroptional elements.

One or more winners of a pari-mutuel event may be determined based onresults of one or more parlay wagers. Determining a winner of a parlaywager may take any desired form some of which are described herein. Forexample, in some embodiments, a winner may include a winner with a mostnumber of wining elements, a least number of losing elements, acomparison of odds for elements and wins and losses for elements, and soon. Some embodiments may include assigning a portion of a pari-mutuelpool to each wagered that has a highest number of winning elements, alowest number of losing wagers, a highest set of points based on acomparison of odds and wins and losses as desired. Any further playersmay be assigned winnings from such a pool in any manner as desired(e.g., a second place winning, and so on).

In some embodiments, separate pari-mutuel pools may be established foreach game, each time frame, each season, each side of a game, and/or inany manner as desired. For example, one pool may be established forplayers that wager that the Chicago Bears will win a game against theGreen Bay Packers on a particular weekend, and a separate pool may beestablished for players that wager that the Packers will win the gameagainst the Bears. In some embodiments, a pool may relate to aparticular game rather than sides, a particular weekend rather thangame, a particular set of games, a season, a set of events, and so on.

In each pool, one or more winners may be determined based on in runningwagers placed by the players and/or game wagers placed by the players.In some embodiments, a pool may relate to a particular game so thatplayers that wagers on the game may qualify to enter the pool (e.g., ifthey place one or more element wagers, if they place a required numberof wager elements, and so on). In some embodiments, a player may berequired to win one or more elements to qualify to win a game. Forexample, in some embodiments, a player may be required to win a bet onan outcome of a game (e.g., must select the Bears or the Packerscorrectly) to qualify to win a pari-mutuel pool that may be related to agame (e.g., even if one player wins more elements than a second player,then the one player may still lose if they didn't select the correctgame winner).

In some embodiments, a player may be required to include one or moreelements in a parlay wager. In some embodiments, players in apari-mutuel pool may be required to wager on each in running wageroffered during a game, a season, a weekend, and so on. In someembodiments, a player may be required to wager on a particular numberand/or minimum number of in running wagers. In some embodiments, aplayer may be shown a number of upcoming in running wagers remaining ina game so that the player may be able to judge when to make a wager orwhen not to make a wager to qualify for the pool. In some embodiments,such an upcoming number may include an estimate, a minimum number, andso on. In some embodiments, if a player does not make a minimum number,the player may not be qualified to win a pool, and/or may have anynumber of elements not fulfilled be counted as losses.

Some embodiment may include determining a particular characteristic forentry into a pari-mutuel pool, presenting such characteristics,receiving wagers that qualify, presenting in running wagers during agame, receiving in running wagers, determining outcomes of the wagers,determining winners of the pari-mutuel pool, and so on. Such actions maybe performed by one or more computing devices, servers, mobile devices,and so on.

In some embodiments, odds for a parlay wager may be determined at one ormore desired times. For example, odds for a parlay wager that includesgame odds and/or in running odds may be determined in part at a time ofthe placement of each element wager. In some embodiments, the entireodds may be set at a time of a last element wager. In some embodiments,wagers for some element may be required to be placed before otherelement wagers even open for being placed (e.g. wagers for a game mayclose before wagers for in running events in the game begin). In such anexample, odds for the game element may be set when wagers related to thegame close and/or when the element bet is made and odds for the inrunning element may be set when the in running wagers are made and/orwhen the in running wager closes and/or opens.

Some embodiments may include a parlay event related to a horse race,other race, and/or other events that may occur in any location in anycombination. For example, in some embodiments, a player may choose eventthat include races at any number of race tracks in any combination toinclude as elements in a parlay. Similarly a player may choose any typeof event in any combination (e.g., an election, a horse race, an inrunning event) to be added to a parlay wager.

Some embodiments, may allow a player to select odds for a parlay wagerand/or one or more characteristics of the parlay wager with and/orwithout selecting elements of the parlay wager. In some embodimentsbased on such odds and/or other characteristics, one or more elements ofa parlay wager may be chosen to meet the odds and/or characteristics.For example, in some embodiment, a player may desire a 10 element parlaywager without in running elements that has odds of 100 to 1. Someembodiment may include choosing elements of the parlay wager so that theodds of the summed 10 chosen elements come to as close as possible to100-1 based on current odds for available elements. In some embodiments,a player may set other characteristics, such as that the parlay includesa particular element (e.g., that the Bears win against the Packers, thatthe longest odds are 10 to 1, that no favorites are picked, and so on).It should be recognized that in various embodiments, a player may setany number of characteristics and have an embodiment choose one or moreelements for a parlay wager to meet desired characteristics.

Different elements in a same pari pool.

-   Weight C.7. The apparatus of claim C.6, in which the instructions    cause the computing device to:

determine a weighing for each of the third and fourth elements based onodds of each element; and

determining the winner based on the weighings such that the winnerincludes the player that has the highest total weight of winningelements.

Figures XVIII. Embodiments

The following should be interpreted as embodiments, and not as claims.

A. An apparatus comprising: a non-transitory medium having storedthereon a plurality of instructions that when executed by a processorcause the computing device to: receive a selection of elements for aparlay wager; determine substantially current odds for each element ofthe parlay wager in response to receiving the selection; based on thesubstantially current odds, determine odds for the parlay wager; providean indication of the odds for the parlay wager; receive an indication tomake the parlay wager with the odds for the parlay wager; and inresponse to receiving the indication to form the parlay wager, formingthe parlay wager with the odds for the parlay wager.

A.1 The apparatus of claim A, in which the instructions cause thecomputing device to: determine the outcomes of each of the elements ofthe parlay wager; and determine an outcome of the parlay wager based onthe outcomes of each of the elements. A.2. The apparatus of claim A,further comprising the computing device.

B. An apparatus comprising: a non-transitory medium having storedthereon a plurality of instructions that when executed by a processorcause the computing device to: receive, from a first payer, a selectionof first elements for a parlay wager, in which the first elementsinclude games that begin and end in the future; determine odds for eachfirst element of the parlay wager in response to receiving theselection; add each of the first elements to a parlay wager for thefirst player; receive, from the first player, during at least one of thegames, a second selection of a plurality of second elements for theparlay wager, in which the second elements include wagers related towhether each respective particular event occurs during the game;determine second odds for each second element of the parlay wager inresponse to receiving the second selection; add each of the secondelements to the parlay wager for the first player; determine odds forthe parlay wager based on the odds and the second odds; and provide anindication of the odds for the parlay wager to the first player.

B.1 The apparatus of claim B, in which the instructions cause thecomputing device to: determine the outcomes of each of the elements ofthe parlay wager; and determine an outcome of the parlay wager based onthe outcomes of each of the elements. B.2. The apparatus of claim B,further comprising the computing device. B.3. The apparatus of claim B,in which the instructions cause the computing device to: presentopportunities to select each of the second elements and a plurality ofadditional elements to the first player during the game. B.4. Theapparatus of claim B, in which at least one second element includes atleast one of an identity of a player to score a next point in the game,a distance that a team will move a ball in a next possession, and anamount of point scored in a next point scoring. B.5. The apparatus ofclaim B, in which the odds for each first element are determined at arespective close of wagering for each respective game based on odds atthe respective close of wagering. B.6. The apparatus of claim B, inwhich the instructions cause the computing device to: adjust the oddsafter receiving the selection based on happenings that occur afterreceiving the selection. B.6.1. The apparatus of claim B.6, in which thehappenings include additional wagers related to the games.

C. An apparatus comprising: a non-transitory medium having storedthereon a plurality of instructions that when executed by a processorcause the computing device to: receive, from a first player, a firstselection of a first element for a first parlay wager, in which thefirst element includes a first outcome of a game that occurs in thefuture; add the first element to the first parlay wager; allocate atleast a portion of a first wagered amount by the first player to apari-mutuel pool; receive, from a second player, a second selection of asecond element for a second parlay wager, in which the second elementincludes a second outcome of the first game; add the second element tothe second parlay wager; allocate at least a portion of a second wageredamount by the second player to the pari-mutuel pool; receive, from thefirst player, during the game, a third selection of a plurality of thirdelements for the first parlay wager, in which the third elements includewagers related to whether each particular respective event occurs duringthe game; add the third elements to the first parlay wager; receive,from the second player, during the game, a fourth selection of aplurality of fourth elements for the second parlay wager, in which thefourth elements include wagers related to whether each particularrespective event occurs during the game, and in which at least onefourth element is different from all of the third elements; add thefourth elements to the second parlay wager; determine a winner based onan outcome of each of the first, second, third, and fourth elements fromamong the first and second player; and assign at least a part of thepari-mutuel pool to the winner.

C.1. The apparatus of claim C, in which the instructions cause thecomputing device to: determine that the first and second element arewagers for a same side of the game and in response to that saiddetermination, allocating the at least the portion of the first wageredamount to the pari-mutuel pool and allocating the at least the portionof the second wagered amount to the pari-mutuel pool. C.2. The apparatusof claim C, in which the instructions cause the computing device to:determine that the first and second element are wagers for differentsides of the game and in response to that said determination, allocatingthe at least the portion of the first wagered amount to the pari-mutuelpool and allocating the at least the portion of the second wageredamount to the pari-mutuel pool.

C.3. The apparatus of claim C, in which the instructions cause thecomputing device to: present each of a plurality of optional elements toeach of the first and second players during the game and in which thethird and fourth selections include respective selections of differentsubsets of the optional elements. C.4. The apparatus of claim C, inwhich the instructions cause the computing device to: determine thateach of the third and fourth elements include a same number of elements.C.5. The apparatus of claim C, in which the instructions cause thecomputing device to: determine the winner based on which of the firstand second parlay wagers includes the most number of winning elements.

C.6. The apparatus of claim C, in which the instructions cause thecomputing device to: determine the winner based on which of the firstand second parlay wagers includes the least number of losing elements.C.6.1. The apparatus of claim C.6, in which the instructions cause thecomputing device to: determine that the third elements include fewerelements that the fourth elements; and count each number of elementsthat are fewer as losing elements. C.7. The apparatus of claim C.6, inwhich the instructions cause the computing device to: determine aweighing for each of the third and fourth elements based on odds of eachelement; and determining the winner based on the weighings such that thewinner includes the player that has the highest total weight of winningelements. C.8. The apparatus of claim C, further comprising thecomputing device. C.9. The apparatus of claim C, in which at least oneof the third and fourth elements includes at least one of an identity ofa player to score a next point in the game, a distance that a team willmove a ball in a next possession, and an amount of point scored in anext point scoring. C.10 The apparatus of claim C, in which theinstructions cause the computing device to: determine the outcomes ofeach of the elements of the first and second parlay wagers.

1. An apparatus comprising: a non-transitory medium having storedthereon a plurality of instructions that when executed by a processorcause the computing device to: receive a selection of elements for aparlay wager; determine substantially current odds for each element ofthe parlay wager in response to receiving the selection; based on thesubstantially current odds, determine odds for the parlay wager; providean indication of the odds for the parlay wager; receive an indication tomake the parlay wager with the odds for the parlay wager; and inresponse to receiving the indication to form the parlay wager, formingthe parlay wager with the odds for the parlay wager.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, in which the instructions cause the computing device to:determine the outcomes of each of the elements of the parlay wager; anddetermine an outcome of the parlay wager based on the outcomes of eachof the elements.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising thecomputing device.
 4. An apparatus comprising: a non-transitory mediumhaving stored thereon a plurality of instructions that when executed bya processor cause the computing device to: receive, from a first payer,a selection of first elements for a parlay wager, in which the firstelements include games that begin and end in the future; determine oddsfor each first element of the parlay wager in response to receiving theselection; add each of the first elements to a parlay wager for thefirst player; receive, from the first player, during at least one of thegames, a second selection of a plurality of second elements for theparlay wager, in which the second elements include wagers related towhether each respective particular event occurs during the game;determine second odds for each second element of the parlay wager inresponse to receiving the second selection; add each of the secondelements to the parlay wager for the first player; determine odds forthe parlay wager based on the odds and the second odds; and provide anindication of the odds for the parlay wager to the first player.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 4, in which the instructions cause the computingdevice to: determine the outcomes of each of the elements of the parlaywager; and determine an outcome of the parlay wager based on theoutcomes of each of the elements.
 6. The apparatus of claim 4, furthercomprising the computing device.
 7. The apparatus of claim 4, in whichthe instructions cause the computing device to: present opportunities toselect each of the second elements and a plurality of additionalelements to the first player during the game.
 8. The apparatus of claim4, in which at least one second element includes at least one of anidentity of a player to score a next point in the game, a distance thata team will move a ball in a next possession, and an amount of pointscored in a next point scoring.
 9. The apparatus of claim 4, in whichthe odds for each first element are determined at a respective close ofwagering for each respective game based on odds at the respective closeof wagering.
 10. The apparatus of claim 4, in which the instructionscause the computing device to: adjust the odds after receiving theselection based on happenings that occur after receiving the selection.11. The apparatus of claim 10, in which the happenings includeadditional wagers related to the games.
 12. An apparatus comprising: anon-transitory medium having stored thereon a plurality of instructionsthat when executed by a processor cause the computing device to:receive, from a first player, a first selection of a first element for afirst parlay wager, in which the first element includes a first outcomeof a game that occurs in the future; add the first element to the firstparlay wager; allocate at least a portion of a first wagered amount bythe first player to a pari-mutuel pool; receive, from a second player, asecond selection of a second element for a second parlay wager, in whichthe second element includes a second outcome of the first game; add thesecond element to the second parlay wager; allocate at least a portionof a second wagered amount by the second player to the pari-mutuel pool;receive, from the first player, during the game, a third selection of aplurality of third elements for the first parlay wager, in which thethird elements include wagers related to whether each particularrespective event occurs during the game; add the third elements to thefirst parlay wager; receive, from the second player, during the game, afourth selection of a plurality of fourth elements for the second parlaywager, in which the fourth elements include wagers related to whethereach particular respective event occurs during the game, and in which atleast one fourth element is different from all of the third elements;add the fourth elements to the second parlay wager; determine a winnerbased on an outcome of each of the first, second, third, and fourthelements from among the first and second player; and assign at least apart of the pari-mutuel pool to the winner.
 13. The apparatus of claim12, in which the instructions cause the computing device to: determinethat the first and second element are wagers for a same side of the gameand in response to that said determination, allocating the at least theportion of the first wagered amount to the pari-mutuel pool andallocating the at least the portion of the second wagered amount to thepari-mutuel pool.
 14. The apparatus of claim 12, in which theinstructions cause the computing device to: determine that the first andsecond element are wagers for different sides of the game and inresponse to that said determination, allocating the at least the portionof the first wagered amount to the pari-mutuel pool and allocating theat least the portion of the second wagered amount to the pari-mutuelpool.
 15. The apparatus of claim 12, in which the instructions cause thecomputing device to: present each of a plurality of optional elements toeach of the first and second players during the game and in which thethird and fourth selections include respective selections of differentsubsets of the optional elements.
 16. The apparatus of claim 12, inwhich the instructions cause the computing device to: determine thateach of the third and fourth elements include a same number of elements.17. The apparatus of claim 12, in which the instructions cause thecomputing device to: determine the winner based on which of the firstand second parlay wagers includes the most number of winning elements.18. The apparatus of claim 12, in which the instructions cause thecomputing device to: determine the winner based on which of the firstand second parlay wagers includes the least number of losing elements.19. The apparatus of claim 18, in which the instructions cause thecomputing device to: determine that the third elements include fewerelements that the fourth elements; and count each number of elementsthat are fewer as losing elements.
 20. The apparatus of claim 12, inwhich the instructions cause the computing device to: determine aweighing for each of the third and fourth elements based on odds of eachelement; and determining the winner based on the weighings such that thewinner includes the player that has the highest total weight of winningelements.
 21. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising thecomputing device.
 22. The apparatus of claim 12, in which at least oneof the third and fourth elements includes at least one of an identity ofa player to score a next point in the game, a distance that a team willmove a ball in a next possession, and an amount of point scored in anext point scoring.
 23. The apparatus of claim 12, in which theinstructions cause the computing device to: determine the outcomes ofeach of the elements of the first and second parlay wagers.